Another view on Skogging

Описание: Running can be considered the most ancient sportlike activity, as our ancestors had to do it for hunting and to commute and travel longer distances in a shorter time. To run has been the most original, nature given and regular way to use our bodies capabilities to move to their full extent. Running has become an inherent ability of our human bodies and I would go as far as to say that we need to move our legs to stay happy and healthy.

In our modern time with all the ashalt paved roads we have a perfect innovation for moving and commuting on them ecofriendly and at the same time staying as close as possible to running as a natural form of bodily movement: the longboard or skateboard. If you look at the movements of pushing a longboard you can easily see the similarities to running. That's why distance skateboarding is a good option for travelling and for having a workout in a healthy and fun way; just like jogging.

If one learns to switch sides to use both legs for pushing one truly has combined skateboarding and jogging in the best possible way into the art of Skogging (first introduced by Downhill Slalom Champion Chris Yandall and continued today by Pro-Skogger Steven Meketa, http://www.skogging.com).

But running/jogging can have an even greater potential than just keeping fit. If we relearn to use our inherent body's skills for running in accordance with our bodie's mechanics and in a way that is most effortless, energy saving and efficient while relaxing and focusing our minds we can benefit the most from it. Be it travelling over longer distances with less stress for our body or just to keep injury free. This is the basic idea of ChiRunning (a concept introduced by Ultra Marathon runner and Tai Chi Practitioner Danny Dreyer, http://www.chirunning.com).

The same is true for pushing. As a longboarder you can use the principles of ChiRunning and benefit from practicing ChiPushing. Start by focusing on a relaxed movement of the legs and place the feet gently. Just like you were running on sand and you don't want to leave any footprints. Even if you push your longboard only on one side, try to engage both of your legs in the pushing process. Use your leg on the board to pull it forward instead of pressing down on it. With practice your pushing will become more easy going, even if you have to go slightly uphill for a longer period.

If you apply these principles while seemlessly using both legs alternately for pushing, you have mastered ChiSkogging (http://www.chiskogging.net)

As soon as your muscle memory starts to take over the almost mantra like repetitions of the switches between pushing right and left, ChiSkoging will become a holistic workout for your body and soul and a very effective way of distance skateboarding.

Deutsche Übersetzung des Textes auf http://www.chipushing.net
oder   / chipushing